@LATechSB to Compete in the Puerto Vallarta College ChallengeLady Techsters open season against Georgia, James Madison, Nevada and Long Beach State

Aug. 3, 2017

RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech is among a talented group of 10 NCAA D-I softball programs competing in the third Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, which will take place in February of 2018 in two sessions at the refurbished Nancy Almaraz Stadium.

Produced by Triple Crown Sports, the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge brings high-caliber softball teams into an intimate setting for a unique warm-weather kickoff to the spring season.

Head coach Mark Montgomery and the defending Conference USA Tournament champion Lady Techsters will participate in Session 1 of the event, joining Georgia (SEC), James Madison (CAA), Long Beach State (Big West) and Nevada (MWC) February 8-10 in Puerta Vallarta.

“We are so excited about the opportunity to play in such a competitive field at this destination site,” said LA Tech head coach Mark Montgomery. “We feel we took a big step forward last year as a program and this is an opportunity to open the season against some great competition. It’s also a chance for our players to experience something they may never have experienced otherwise.”

Louisiana Tech fans wishing to book their trip to this event to follow the Lady Techsters should call Patty Harsch at 970-672-0558 or email her at patty@triplecrownsports.com.

Game times and matchups will be announced on Wednesday, August 9 at 11 a.m. CT.

While the competitive flavor of the event speaks for itself, tournament officials have made sure to secure plentiful lodging for fans to make the trip down to support their favorite team. Travel packages are available through numerous villas in the city as well as at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort, located right on the beach and within walking distance of the stadium.

Teams and their fans will experience a fully renovated ballpark with new lights, and an internet/wifi friendly media/press row. Work on the stadium (which sits barely a quarter of a mile from the beach) was accomplished through a partnership with the city of Puerto Vallarta and Triple Crown Sports.

“The secret has slipped out on the magic of playing ball in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in February,” said Triple Crown CEO and tournament director David King. “In 2018, we have landed six perennial top 20 teams and a strong group of recent contenders.”

Six of the teams in the 2018 Puerto Vallarta College Challenge earned berths in the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Oregon (47-6) earned the overall No. 3 seed and Ole Miss (40-18) was No. 12. Georgia (33-21), James Madison (50-6), Louisiana Tech (38-24) and Texas (31-24) also made the 64-team field; Nevada (28-23) made the cut for the inaugural NISC.